EP2794396A1 - Aircraft passenger seat and seat swivel assembly - Google Patents

Aircraft passenger seat and seat swivel assembly

Info

Publication number
EP2794396A1
EP2794396A1 EP12809457.0A EP12809457A EP2794396A1 EP 2794396 A1 EP2794396 A1 EP 2794396A1 EP 12809457 A EP12809457 A EP 12809457A EP 2794396 A1 EP2794396 A1 EP 2794396A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seat
base rails
swivel
swivel assembly
extending
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP12809457.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2794396B1 (en
Inventor
Michael L. OLESON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BE Aerospace Inc
Original Assignee
BE Aerospace Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BE Aerospace Inc filed Critical BE Aerospace Inc
Publication of EP2794396A1 publication Critical patent/EP2794396A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2794396B1 publication Critical patent/EP2794396B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0639—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats with features for adjustment or converting of seats
    • B64D11/064—Adjustable inclination or position of seats
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
    • B60N2/06—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable
    • B60N2/062—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable transversally slidable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
    • B60N2/06—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable slidable
    • B60N2/07—Slide construction
    • B60N2/0702—Slide construction characterised by its cross-section
    • B60N2/0717—Rounded, e.g. circular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
    • B60N2/14—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable rotatable, e.g. to permit easy access
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/02—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable
    • B60N2/04—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable
    • B60N2/14—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable rotatable, e.g. to permit easy access
    • B60N2/146—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles the seat or part thereof being movable, e.g. adjustable the whole seat being movable rotatable, e.g. to permit easy access characterised by the locking device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T50/00—Aeronautics or air transport
    • Y02T50/40—Weight reduction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an aircraft passenger seat and seat swivel assembly.
  • the seat is adapted to be mounted on the deck of an aircraft seat and permit rotations of the seat when desired, relative to the aircraft.
  • the swivel assembly design provides swiveling capability to passenger seats without increasing the overall seat height, and is particularly useful in aircraft configurations providing limited passenger headroom.
  • the swivel design also permits seating loads to be transferred laterally directly to the seat base rails and to the aircraft seat tracks and deck.
  • swiveling seats have comfort features such as the ability to swivel the seat from side to side and slide the seat fore and aft that are not typically found in commercial passenger aircraft.
  • swiveling seats have a seat pan that is mounted on a swivel assembly that in turn is mounted on top of laterally-extending spars that extend transversely between a pair of base rails mounted by track fittings to tracks in the aircraft deck.
  • These seats are specifically constructed for aircraft use in compliance with FAA- mandated safety requirements.
  • this type of seat must also be capable of being locked into a fixed position for taxi, take-off, landing and flight turbulence, and to withstand substantial, specified impact forces.
  • an object of the invention to provide an aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly and aircraft passenger seat that provides the same overall seating height as non- swiveling aircraft passenger seats, particularly passenger seats of the type found in general aviation aircraft.
  • an aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly for an aircraft seating unit that includes a pair of transversely spaced-apart base rails, each including fore and aft fittings for
  • the base rails define a transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails.
  • a swivel assembly is mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally-extending horizontal plane.
  • the swivel assembly defines a transversely extending spar connected to and bridging the space between the base rails in the transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails.
  • the swivel assembly includes a swivel plate having a generally annular recess and an exterior lock flange formed therein.
  • extending spar includes elongate connecting members for being positioned in complementary locking apertures formed in the base rails.
  • the locking apertures comprise bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with
  • the locking apertures are first and second vertically-extending spaced-apart bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with first and second spaced-apart bolt holes in the connecting members for receiving bolts therethrough.
  • the fore and aft fittings of the base rails are adapted to position the base rails in spaced-apart relation to the aircraft deck.
  • an aircraft passenger seat with a low-profile swivel assembly includes a pair of transversely spaced-apart base rails, each including fore and aft fittings for connecting the base rails to an aircraft deck.
  • the base rails define a transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between them.
  • a swivel assembly is mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally- extending horizontal plane.
  • a seat pan is mounted on the swivel assembly for rotational movement on a vertical axis defined by the swivel assembly, and a seat back is mounted on a rear side of the seat pan.
  • the swivel assembly of the seat defines a transversely extending spar connected to and bridging the space between the base rails in the transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails.
  • the swivel assembly includes a swivel plate having a generally annular recess and an exterior lock flange formed therein.
  • the transversely extending spar is integrally-formed with the swivel plate and provides direct transfer of seat loading to the base rails.
  • the transversely extending spar includes elongate connecting members for being positioned in complementary locking apertures formed in the base rails.
  • the locking apertures comprise bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with aligned bolt holes in the connecting members for receiving bolts therethrough.
  • the locking apertures are first and second vertically-extending spaced-apart bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with first and second spaced-apart bolt holes in the connecting members for receiving bolts therethrough.
  • the fore and aft fittings of the base rails are adapted to position the base rails in spaced-apart relation to the aircraft deck.
  • a swivel assembly is mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally-extending horizontal plane and a slide assembly is mounted on the swivel assembly for permitting side-to-side and fore-and-aft movement of the seat independent of the swivel assembly.
  • a seat pan is mounted on the swivel assembly for rotational movement on a vertical axis defined by the swivel assembly and on at least one translationai axis defined by the slide assembly.
  • a seat back is mounted on a rear side of the seat pan.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a typical prior art swiveling aircraft passenger seat
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a swiveling aircraft passenger seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a seat base rail and attached swivel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4 is a top plan view of the swivel assembly
  • Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the swivel assembly shown in Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the seat base and attached swivel assembly
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view with parts broken away illustrating an alternative preferred embodiment having a swivel, side-to-side and fore-and-aft seat motion available to the passenger;
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view similar to Figure 7 but without parts broken away;
  • Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the swivel and slide mechanisms of the seat shown in Figures 7 and 8; and
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of the swivel and slide mechanism shown in Figure 9. Detailed Description of the Invention
  • FIG. 1 a typical prior art swiveling aircraft passenger seat is illustrated in Figure 1 and generally indicated at reference numeral 10.
  • the prior art seat 10 includes a pair of base rails 12, 14 attached to an aircraft deck by track fittings 16, 18 that are locked into a seat track secured to the aircraft deck, not shown.
  • a spar 20 extends transversely between the base rails 12, 14.
  • a swivel assembly 22 is mounted to the top of the spar 20, and a seat pan assembly 24 is mounted to the top of the swivel assembly 22.
  • a seat back assembly 26 is carried by the seat pan assembly 24. Suitable cushion members, not shown, are positioned in place on the seat pan assembly 24 and seat back assembly 26.
  • the swivel assembly 22 sits atop the spar 20 and thus adds the vertical dimension of the swivel assembly 22 to the overall height of the seat 10.
  • the swivel assembly 22 sits atop the spar 20 and thus adds the vertical dimension of the swivel assembly 22 to the overall height of the seat 10.
  • even a few inches of additional seat height can significantly reduce passenger headroom, particularly in smaller general aviation aircraft that do not provide "stand up" room but require the passengers to stoop as they ingress and egress the aircraft.
  • This reduced headroom is an important disadvantage not only while sitting, but can also impose further restraint and discomfort to a passenger when rising from or lowering into the seat.
  • an aircraft passenger seat 30 in accordance with the invention is illustrated and includes a pair of base rails 32, 34 that includes track fittings 36, 38 that lock the base rails 32, 34 into a seat track secured to the deck, not shown.
  • a swivel assembly 40 which includes both a swivel mechanism 42 itself and a transversely-extending spar 44, is mounted between the base rails 32, 34 in the same horizontal plane as base rails 32, 34 and thus does not add to the overall height of the seat 30.
  • the swivel mechanism 42 is preferably integrally-formed with and forms the spar 44, otherwise known as a "sparvel.”
  • the swivel mechanism 42 may vary widely insofar as the specifics of operation are concerned.
  • the swivel mechanism 42 includes a stationary swivel plate 46 in which is mounted a rotatable swivel ring 48 that is mounted to the seat pan 50, as shown in Figure 2.
  • swivel plate 46 includes integrally-formed connecting members 56, 58 by which the swivel assembly 40 is mounted to the base rails 32, 34.
  • Bolt holes 60, 62 in connecting members 56, 58 are positioned in the swivel assembly 40 to align with locking apertures 64, 66 in the base rails 32, 34.
  • the swivel assembly 40 thus becomes the spar 44, mounting the seat pan 50 and the attached seat back 52 to the base rails 32, 34 without adding height to the seat 30.
  • the swivel 42 is attached to the seat pan 50 by a series of threaded bushings 54 extending upward from the rotatable swivel ring 48.
  • a passenger seat 80 is illustrated and includes in accordance with the invention is illustrated and includes a pair of base rails 82, 84 that includes track fittings 86, 88 that lock the base rails 82, 84 into a seat track secured to the deck, not shown.
  • a swivel assembly 90 which includes both a swivel mechanism 92 itself and a transversely-extending spar 94, is mounted between the base rails 82, 84 in the same horizontal plane as base rails 82, 84 and thus does not add to the overall height of the seat 80.
  • the swivel mechanism 92 is preferably integrally-formed with and forms the spar 94, the unified structure otherwise known as a "sparvel.”
  • the swivel mechanism 92 may vary widely insofar as the specifics of operation are concerned.
  • the swivel mechanism 92 includes a stationary swivel plate 96 in which is mounted a rotatable swivel ring 98 that is mounted to a slide assembly 100, also as shown in Figures 9 and 10.
  • the swivel plate 96 includes integrally-formed connecting members 99 (see also elements 58 in Figures 4 and 5) by which the swivel assembly 90 is mounted to the base rails 82, 84.
  • the slide assembly 100 includes a slide plate 102 that is mounted to the swivel plate
  • a seat pan 106 is mounted to a first pair of slide tubes 1 10, 1 12 for side-to-side translating movement.
  • the slide tubes 1 10, 1 12 are mounted in a first plurality of slide bushings ⁇ 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, and the seat pan 106 is mounted-to the opposing ends of the slide tubes 110, 102.
  • Figure 8 and 9 best show that the seat pan 106 includes side frames 122, 124 that extend along opposite sides and which are bolted to the opposing ends of the slide tubes 1 10, 112 by bolts that are threaded into the ends of the slide 1 10, 112.
  • the slide tubes 130, 132 are mounted in slide bushings 134, 136, 138, 140 for fore- and-aft sliding movement.
  • the seat pan 106 and the attached seat back 144 is permitted to slide side-to-side and fore-and-aft within the range of motion provided by the length of the slide tubes 1 10, 1 12 and 130, 132, while simultaneously swiveling on the swivel assembly 90.
  • the placement of the swivel assembly 90 within the lateral plane of the base rails 82, 84 provides more headroom to the seated passenger without the need to reduce the height of the seat pan 106 above the aircraft deck.
  • the slide assembly 100 has a very shallow profile and thus adds only slightly to the overall seat height.
  • the lateral spacing of the base rails in both disclosed embodiments is controlled by the width of the seating tracks mounted in the aircraft deck. As is best shown in Figures 7 and 8, the width of the seat 80 may be significantly wider than the base rail spacing.
  • seats having only the disclosed swivel feature as well as seats having both a swivel feature and a sliding feature are within the scope of the invention, as are seats that slide only fore-and aft, as well as seats that slide only side-to-side or that slide in both fore-and aft and side-to-side directions.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly (40) for an aircraft seating unit that includes a pair of transversely spaced-apart base rails (32,34), each including fore and aft fittings (36,38) for connecting the base rails to an aircraft deck. The base rails define a transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails. A swivel assembly is mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally-extending horizontal plane. The swivel assembly provides a low profile seat with a spar that forms a part of the swivel assembly and transfers loads from the seat efficiently to the aircraft deck. A slide assembly (100) enables the seat occupant to slide the seat fore-and-aft and side-to-side independent of the rotation of the seat on the swivel.

Description

AIRCRAFT PASSENGER SEAT AND SEAT SWIVEL ASSEMBLY
Technical Field and Background of the Invention
The present invention relates to an aircraft passenger seat and seat swivel assembly. The seat is adapted to be mounted on the deck of an aircraft seat and permit rotations of the seat when desired, relative to the aircraft. The swivel assembly design provides swiveling capability to passenger seats without increasing the overall seat height, and is particularly useful in aircraft configurations providing limited passenger headroom. The swivel design also permits seating loads to be transferred laterally directly to the seat base rails and to the aircraft seat tracks and deck.
Many private aircraft passenger seats have comfort features such as the ability to swivel the seat from side to side and slide the seat fore and aft that are not typically found in commercial passenger aircraft. Typically, swiveling seats have a seat pan that is mounted on a swivel assembly that in turn is mounted on top of laterally-extending spars that extend transversely between a pair of base rails mounted by track fittings to tracks in the aircraft deck. These seats are specifically constructed for aircraft use in compliance with FAA- mandated safety requirements. In addition to being able to swivel smoothly and comfortably, this type of seat must also be capable of being locked into a fixed position for taxi, take-off, landing and flight turbulence, and to withstand substantial, specified impact forces.
In comparison with commercial aircraft, most general aviation aircraft have smaller fuselages with less passenger headroom. For this reason, most general aviation passenger seats sit closer to the aircraft deck to provide as much headroom as is possible to the seated passenger within the design and engineering requirements of the seat. Prior art swiveling aircraft seats provide reduced headroom for the seated passenger because the swivel is mounted on top of the seat base-usually on the base spars-and thus add to the overall height of the seat above the aircraft deck.
This type of design also applies seat loading to the spars which extend transversely between the seat base rails rather than directly to the seat base rails. This is an inefficient means of transferring seating loads to the aircraft deck. Summary of the Invention
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly and aircraft passenger seat that provides the same overall seating height as non- swiveling aircraft passenger seats, particularly passenger seats of the type found in general aviation aircraft.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly and aircraft passenger seat that efficiently transfers seat loading directly to the base rails of the seat.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing an aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly for an aircraft seating unit that includes a pair of transversely spaced-apart base rails, each including fore and aft fittings for
connecting the base rails to an aircraft deck. The base rails define a transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails. A swivel assembly is mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally-extending horizontal plane.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the swivel assembly defines a transversely extending spar connected to and bridging the space between the base rails in the transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the swivel assembly includes a swivel plate having a generally annular recess and an exterior lock flange formed therein.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the transversely
extending spar is integrally-formed with the swivel plate.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the transversely
extending spar includes elongate connecting members for being positioned in complementary locking apertures formed in the base rails.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking apertures comprise bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with
aligned bolt holes in the connecting members for receiving bolts therethrough.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking apertures are first and second vertically-extending spaced-apart bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with first and second spaced-apart bolt holes in the connecting members for receiving bolts therethrough.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the fore and aft fittings of the base rails are adapted to position the base rails in spaced-apart relation to the aircraft deck.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, an aircraft passenger seat with a low-profile swivel assembly is provided and includes a pair of transversely spaced-apart base rails, each including fore and aft fittings for connecting the base rails to an aircraft deck. The base rails define a transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between them. A swivel assembly is mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally- extending horizontal plane. A seat pan is mounted on the swivel assembly for rotational movement on a vertical axis defined by the swivel assembly, and a seat back is mounted on a rear side of the seat pan.
According to one preferred embodiment of the aircraft seat, the swivel assembly of the seat defines a transversely extending spar connected to and bridging the space between the base rails in the transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the aircraft seat, the swivel assembly includes a swivel plate having a generally annular recess and an exterior lock flange formed therein.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the aircraft seat, the transversely extending spar is integrally-formed with the swivel plate and provides direct transfer of seat loading to the base rails.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the aircraft seat, the transversely extending spar includes elongate connecting members for being positioned in complementary locking apertures formed in the base rails.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the aircraft seat, the locking apertures comprise bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with aligned bolt holes in the connecting members for receiving bolts therethrough.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the aircraft seat, the locking apertures are first and second vertically-extending spaced-apart bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with first and second spaced-apart bolt holes in the connecting members for receiving bolts therethrough.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the aircraft seat, the fore and aft fittings of the base rails are adapted to position the base rails in spaced-apart relation to the aircraft deck.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the aircraft seat, a swivel assembly is mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally-extending horizontal plane and a slide assembly is mounted on the swivel assembly for permitting side-to-side and fore-and-aft movement of the seat independent of the swivel assembly. A seat pan is mounted on the swivel assembly for rotational movement on a vertical axis defined by the swivel assembly and on at least one translationai axis defined by the slide assembly. A seat back is mounted on a rear side of the seat pan.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description of the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a typical prior art swiveling aircraft passenger seat;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a swiveling aircraft passenger seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a seat base rail and attached swivel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the swivel assembly;
Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the swivel assembly shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the seat base and attached swivel assembly;
Figure 7 is a perspective view with parts broken away illustrating an alternative preferred embodiment having a swivel, side-to-side and fore-and-aft seat motion available to the passenger;
Figure 8 is a perspective view similar to Figure 7 but without parts broken away; Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the swivel and slide mechanisms of the seat shown in Figures 7 and 8; and
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the swivel and slide mechanism shown in Figure 9. Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring now to the drawings, a typical prior art swiveling aircraft passenger seat is illustrated in Figure 1 and generally indicated at reference numeral 10. The prior art seat 10 includes a pair of base rails 12, 14 attached to an aircraft deck by track fittings 16, 18 that are locked into a seat track secured to the aircraft deck, not shown. A spar 20 extends transversely between the base rails 12, 14. A swivel assembly 22 is mounted to the top of the spar 20, and a seat pan assembly 24 is mounted to the top of the swivel assembly 22. A seat back assembly 26 is carried by the seat pan assembly 24. Suitable cushion members, not shown, are positioned in place on the seat pan assembly 24 and seat back assembly 26. As shown in Figure 1, the swivel assembly 22 sits atop the spar 20 and thus adds the vertical dimension of the swivel assembly 22 to the overall height of the seat 10. Within the environment of a general aviation aircraft, even a few inches of additional seat height can significantly reduce passenger headroom, particularly in smaller general aviation aircraft that do not provide "stand up" room but require the passengers to stoop as they ingress and egress the aircraft. This reduced headroom is an important disadvantage not only while sitting, but can also impose further restraint and discomfort to a passenger when rising from or lowering into the seat.
Referring now to Figure 2, an aircraft passenger seat 30 in accordance with the invention is illustrated and includes a pair of base rails 32, 34 that includes track fittings 36, 38 that lock the base rails 32, 34 into a seat track secured to the deck, not shown. A swivel assembly 40, which includes both a swivel mechanism 42 itself and a transversely-extending spar 44, is mounted between the base rails 32, 34 in the same horizontal plane as base rails 32, 34 and thus does not add to the overall height of the seat 30. As is best shown in Figure 3, the swivel mechanism 42 is preferably integrally-formed with and forms the spar 44, otherwise known as a "sparvel."
The particular design of the swivel mechanism 42 may vary widely insofar as the specifics of operation are concerned. As shown in Figure 3, the swivel mechanism 42 includes a stationary swivel plate 46 in which is mounted a rotatable swivel ring 48 that is mounted to the seat pan 50, as shown in Figure 2.
As also shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 swivel plate 46 includes integrally-formed connecting members 56, 58 by which the swivel assembly 40 is mounted to the base rails 32, 34. Bolt holes 60, 62 in connecting members 56, 58 are positioned in the swivel assembly 40 to align with locking apertures 64, 66 in the base rails 32, 34. The swivel assembly 40 thus becomes the spar 44, mounting the seat pan 50 and the attached seat back 52 to the base rails 32, 34 without adding height to the seat 30. The swivel 42 is attached to the seat pan 50 by a series of threaded bushings 54 extending upward from the rotatable swivel ring 48.
In addition, seat loading is transferred directly to the base rails 32, 34. Weight is reduced by combining the spar and swivel assembly into a single structure.
Referring now to Figures 7-10, a passenger seat 80 is illustrated and includes in accordance with the invention is illustrated and includes a pair of base rails 82, 84 that includes track fittings 86, 88 that lock the base rails 82, 84 into a seat track secured to the deck, not shown. A swivel assembly 90, which includes both a swivel mechanism 92 itself and a transversely-extending spar 94, is mounted between the base rails 82, 84 in the same horizontal plane as base rails 82, 84 and thus does not add to the overall height of the seat 80. As is best shown in Figure 9, the swivel mechanism 92 is preferably integrally-formed with and forms the spar 94, the unified structure otherwise known as a "sparvel."
The particular design of the swivel mechanism 92 may vary widely insofar as the specifics of operation are concerned. As shown in Figure 9, the swivel mechanism 92 includes a stationary swivel plate 96 in which is mounted a rotatable swivel ring 98 that is mounted to a slide assembly 100, also as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The swivel plate 96 includes integrally-formed connecting members 99 (see also elements 58 in Figures 4 and 5) by which the swivel assembly 90 is mounted to the base rails 82, 84.
The slide assembly 100 includes a slide plate 102 that is mounted to the swivel plate
96 by bolts, not shown, that extend through bolt holes 104 and mate with threaded bushings
97 in the rotatable swivel ring 98.
As is shown in Figures 7 and 8, a seat pan 106 is mounted to a first pair of slide tubes 1 10, 1 12 for side-to-side translating movement. The slide tubes 1 10, 1 12 are mounted in a first plurality of slide bushings ί 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120, and the seat pan 106 is mounted-to the opposing ends of the slide tubes 110, 102. Figure 8 and 9 best show that the seat pan 106 includes side frames 122, 124 that extend along opposite sides and which are bolted to the opposing ends of the slide tubes 1 10, 112 by bolts that are threaded into the ends of the slide 1 10, 112.
The slide tubes 130, 132 are mounted in slide bushings 134, 136, 138, 140 for fore- and-aft sliding movement. In this manner the seat pan 106 and the attached seat back 144 is permitted to slide side-to-side and fore-and-aft within the range of motion provided by the length of the slide tubes 1 10, 1 12 and 130, 132, while simultaneously swiveling on the swivel assembly 90. This permits a seated passenger a wide range of seat adjustment during travel, as well as the ability to slide the seat 80 away from the fuselage and aft while swiveling and comfortably stand up and leave the seat. The placement of the swivel assembly 90 within the lateral plane of the base rails 82, 84 provides more headroom to the seated passenger without the need to reduce the height of the seat pan 106 above the aircraft deck. The slide assembly 100 has a very shallow profile and thus adds only slightly to the overall seat height. The lateral spacing of the base rails in both disclosed embodiments is controlled by the width of the seating tracks mounted in the aircraft deck. As is best shown in Figures 7 and 8, the width of the seat 80 may be significantly wider than the base rail spacing.
As noted from the above discussion, seats having only the disclosed swivel feature as well as seats having both a swivel feature and a sliding feature are within the scope of the invention, as are seats that slide only fore-and aft, as well as seats that slide only side-to-side or that slide in both fore-and aft and side-to-side directions.
Low profile, swiveling and/or sliding aircraft passenger seats and aircraft passenger seat swivel and/or slide assemblies are described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation— the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

I claim:
1. An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly for an aircraft seating unit, comprising:
(a) a pair of transversely spaced-apart base rails each including fore and aft fittings for connecting the base rails to an aircraft deck and defining a transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails; and
(b) a swivel assembly mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally- extending horizontal plane.
2. An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the swivel assembly defines a transversely extending spar connected to and bridging the space between the base rails in the transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails.
3. An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the swivel assembly includes a stationary swivel plate and an annular swivel ring mounted for rotation in the swivel plate for attachment to a seat pan.
4. An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly according to claim 2, wherein the transversely extending spar is integrally-formed with the swivel plate.
5. An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly according to claim 2, wherein the transversely extending spar includes elongate connecting members for being positioned in complementary locking apertures formed in the base rails.
6. An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly according to claim 5, wherein the locking apertures comprise bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with aligned bolt holes in the connecting members for receiving bolts therethrough.
7. An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly according to claim 5, wherein the locking apertures comprise first and second vertically-extending spaced-apart bolt holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the base rails and aligned with first and second spaced- apart bolt holes in the connecting members for receiving bolts therethrough.
8. An aircraft passenger seat swivel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fore and aft fittings of the base rails are adapted to position the base rails in spaced-apart relation to the aircraft deck.
9. An aircraft passenger seat, comprising:
(a) a pair of transversely spaced-apart base rails each including fore and aft fittings for connecting the base rails to an aircraft deck and defining a transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails;
(b) a swivel assembly mounted between the pair of base rails in the laterally- extending horizontal plane;
(c) a slide assembly mounted on the swivel assembly for permitting side-to-side and fore-and-aft movement of the seat independent of the swivel assembly;
(d) a seat pan mounted on the swivel assembly for rotational movement on a vertical axis defined by the swivel assembly and on at least one translational axis defined by the slide assembly; and
(e) a seat back mounted on a rear side of the seat pan.
10. An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 9, wherein the swivel assembly defines a transversely extending spar connected to and bridging the space between the base rails in the transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails.
1 1. An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 9, wherein the swivel assembly includes a stationary swivel plate and an annular swivel ring mounted for rotation in the swivel plate and attached to a seat pan for rotation of the seat pan around a vertical axis defined by the annular swivel ring.
12. An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 10, wherein the transversely extending spar is integrally-formed with the swivel plate.
13. An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 10, wherein the transversely extending spar includes elongate connecting members for being positioned in complementary locking apertures formed in the base rails.
14. An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 9, wherein the slide assembly comprises:
(a) a slide mounting plate mounted to the swivel plate;
(b) a first plurality of slide bushings and a respective first pair of slides positioned therein for side-to-side movement of the seat pan;
(c) a second plurality of slide bushings and a respective second pair of slides positioned therein for fore-and-aft movement of the seat pan; and
(d) the seat pan carried by and movable in relation to the first and second pairs of slides.
15. An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 14, wherein the seat pan is mounted for side-to-side translation into and out of lateral alignment with the swivel assembly.
16. An aircraft passenger seat according to claim 15, wherein the first pair of slides and the second pair of slides each comprise cylindrical tubes mounted in the first and second pluralities of slide bushings for sliding movement in a lateral plane parallel to the transversely-extending horizontal plane extending between the pair of base rails.
EP12809457.0A 2011-12-23 2012-12-11 Aircraft passenger seat and seat swivel assembly Active EP2794396B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US13/335,980 US9493242B2 (en) 2011-12-23 2011-12-23 Aircraft passenger seat and seat swivel assembly
PCT/US2012/068880 WO2013095987A1 (en) 2011-12-23 2012-12-11 Aircraft passenger seat and seat swivel assembly

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EP2794396A1 true EP2794396A1 (en) 2014-10-29
EP2794396B1 EP2794396B1 (en) 2017-02-15

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US (1) US9493242B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2794396B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6104937B2 (en)
CN (1) CN104093631B (en)
CA (1) CA2859710C (en)
WO (1) WO2013095987A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN104093631A (en) 2014-10-08
JP6104937B2 (en) 2017-03-29
CA2859710C (en) 2017-10-10
JP2015503480A (en) 2015-02-02
CA2859710A1 (en) 2013-06-27
EP2794396B1 (en) 2017-02-15
US9493242B2 (en) 2016-11-15
CN104093631B (en) 2018-12-28
US20130161990A1 (en) 2013-06-27
WO2013095987A1 (en) 2013-06-27

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